It’s that time of the year again! Time to make your photographic gift list in hopes that Santa will bring you everything your camera bag desires. Also, it’s a great time to get your last-minute shopping in before the end of the year so you can deduct the purchases on your taxes!
We’ve again asked a handful of our photo-industry colleagues what products they recommend and/or have on their gift list this holiday season. They came back to us with some great recommendations of cameras, lenses, bags, accessories, and more.
Keep checking back as we’ll be adding more recommendations from our friends throughout the holiday season!
This year we’ve also asked some of our sponsors to list off some of their cool products you might be interested in this holiday season. Check them out below!
Beam by PhotoShelter
Beam lets you easily create a striking, responsive website that looks great on desktops, laptops and tablets alike. With Beam, you get a beautiful website backed by PhotoShelter’s image archive, client sharing and delivery tools, and built-in eCommerce platform. Take your photography business to the next level!
Benro Video Monopod A48TBS4
For the pro on the go nothing provides solid support, flexibility and portability like a monopod. The the A48TBS4 pairs a matched S4 Video Head with the A48TB Video Monopod with 3-Leg Folding Base and Travel Case. Each Benro Video Monopod Kit is based on an eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and twist leg lock mechanisms. A great video monopod!
ILFORD Gold Mono Silk
GALERIE Prestige Gold Mono Silk is a true black and white media for inkjet printers allowing photographers specialising in monochrome photography to achieve stunning images reminiscent of darkroom prints. It’s available in sheets and rolls and compatible with both pigment and dye based printers.
Induro CT213 Carbon Fiber Tripod
If you’re looking for an extra sturdy tripod, the CT213 tripods are the strongest, most stable tripods ever offered. A wide stance cross-braced magnesium alloy spider, ultra-light 8X layer Carbon Fiber legs, oversized center column lock and enhanced leg angle locks all contribute to a tripod with up to 35% greater stability, rigidity and higher load capacity. Includes interchangeable rubber feet and stainless steel spikes, a tool kit and deluxe carrying bag and strap.
Leica C
The Leica C is a 12 megapixel compact camera with full manual control, RAW shooting, and a built-in electronic viewfinder. It also features integrated Wi-Fi and can be controlled from any iOS or Android device. The Leica C was designed by Audi and features a wide range of unique cases and straps and fits perfectly in your pocket. It’s also available in light gold color.
MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod Kits
Are you a traveler? The RoadTrip kit provides an exceptional combination of materials, construction and features – plus a splash of color! Great for point & shoot, mirrorless, micro 4/3 and DSLR cameras with larger lenses. One of the coolest things about this tripod is that it also converts to a monopod in seconds! Only 15.4″ when folded yet 61.6″ extended, it weighs 3.6 lbs and can support up to 17.6 lbs.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a modern and professional website publishing platform that includes customizable templates, drag and drop tools, 24/7 support and e-commerce. It provides a really quick and easy way for photographers to build a beautiful portfolio website in minutes. All of their templates are extremely clean, and allow your content to be the center of focus. Every Squarespace website has it’s own unique mobile design, so that your photos automatically scale to look beautiful on every device. It’s also cheap with plans starting at only $8/month! (Use Promo Code PhotoBrigade11 for a 10% discount!)
Tenba DNA 15
The Tenba DNA 15 is the right size for a messenger bag, especially for bikers. The large flap allows great flexibility for carrying different sized things. The padded camera insert fits a couple bodies and a couple lenses comfortably. With quick access zipper and a padded sleeve for a 15” laptop and a separate sleeve for a tablet, it’s comes with a rain cover to protect it from the worst mother nature can throw at it.
Think Tank Photo Airport International V2.0
If you’re a traveling photographer, you’ll want a nice rolling camera bag designed for International and domestic carry-on. You’ll appreciate this roller bag’s advanced security features, even when you’re not flying. It’s compact yet spacious and fits in overhead bins on most international flights. It has room to carry two or three pro-size bodies (unattached), all of the standard lenses and other gear a professional or semi-professional photographers may need while working on-location.
X-Rite ColorChecker Passport
ColorChecker Passport is a powerful ‘capture to edit’ color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color and creative flexibility. The passport combines three photographic targets into one pocket size protective, self-standing case that adjusts to any scene. Together with the included camera calibration software, you get the ultimate in functionality, flexibility and portability.
Brinson + Banks
David Walter Banks and Kendrick Brinson are a happily wed commercial photography team based in L.A. They collaborate with each other and their clients to create dynamic, emotive and raw imagery that tells a story or creates a mood.
Gold and silver instant film from Impossible Project
Impossible Project’s film has come a long way since it’s started–it’s just beautiful now.
iPhone Lifeproof Cases for underwater iPhone pics
It’s a little nerve-wracking putting your iPhone underwater at first, but these work great. We used one on our honeymoon in Tulum and had so much fun holding our breath for some underwater portraits in the Caribbean Sea.
Canon 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens
Best lens bang for your buck (plus it’s just so darn cute). Also a good lens for street shooting (when you wanna be a little more incognito) or when you want to pack light for personal shooting.
ENO Hammock
For outdoor photographers (or just outdoor lovers). We love ours. Be sure to get the Slap Straps, too, so you can hang it on a porch, between trees, on a waterfall, anywhere.
Octavian Cantilli
Octavian Cantilli says he is the only child of fantastic parents, who when he was three years old escaped communist Romania and found political asylum in the US. After feeling out several career paths, that include completion of the engineering core and most of the pre-med core, he hopelessly fell in love with visual storytelling. He says he loves how photography can be technical yet intimate; very risky, yet very much needed; serious, yet fun, and all while serving as a ticket into the lives and culture of people he would never otherwise meet. Since graduating from the University of Florida’s college of journalism in 2007, he was a Poynter summer fellow, worked full time at three newspapers of various circulation, been on assignment in six countries, lead photo trips overseas, been repeatedly published around the world and been invited to share work in a few museums and photo festivals. Octavian is currently a freelance photographer/videographer based in Orlando, Florida. His clients include Universal Orlando Resort, The Weather Channel, Morris Publications, Humane Society of America, Southern Poverty Law Center, American Association for Cancer Research, American Federation of Teachers, Florida Power and Light, Digital Juice, AAA, Comcast and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Behind Photographs, Deluxe Limited Edition by Tim Mantoani
I love this book/EPIC body of work. It chronicles the significance of cornerstone images in the development of many of the most iconic image producing photographers ever!
Wapiti C1 Camera Strap
http://www.wapitistraps.com
You can get these custom made to the exact length you want, and there are no metal rings to scratch the LED on your camera. Plus, it gives you yet another way to mess with your vegan friends.
Profoto Dual Speedlight Speedring
This is great if you sometimes use speedlights for lighting. Profoto quality, the best design I’ve yet to see for mounting dual speedlights, and the ability to mount remote ratio triggers makes this a great item.
ideal 61-500
It sucks running a stinger cable all the way where it needs to be run only to find out that the power socket doesn’t work. You do that a couple times, and you will always remember to first use this thing.
Profoto B4 with battery and charger
With a max flash duration of 1/25,000, 45 minute battery recharge times, great weather seal and up to 30 frames per second recycle times, this is hands down the best battery generator on the market. I start foaming at the mouth every time I get to use one!
Robert Caplin
Robert Caplin is an editorial and corporate photographer based in Manhattan who specializes in documentary, travel, celebrities, portraiture, and events. He’s a regular contributor to The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal and his work has been published in National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, TIME, and Newsweek. His clients include individuals such as Justin Bieber, Tiki Barber, and Victoria Justice and organizations such as The International Emmy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, and American Electric Power. His photographs were honored at the 2010 Clio Awards for advertising, and HarperCollins published his long-term documentary as part of Justin Bieber’s New York Times Bestselling visual autobiography, First Step 2 Forever, which has sold over a million copies in 25 languages.
Bose SoundLink Mini
This is a small speaker that puts out very full and rich sound. I use it for studio shoots and at home in the bathroom or around the house to listen music or podcasts. This unit has a premium price tag compared to other bluetooth speakers, but they truly sound the best, in my opinion.
Bose QuietComfort 20i Noise Cancelling Headphones
So now you can probably tell I’m a Bose whore, but after going through many headphones in my 30 years, I can say these are truly great. They have the same noise-cancelation power as the big QC-15 over-ear models at the same price and a fraction of the size. For those of you who travel, these will blow your mind and nock out the airplane hum and pretty much the world around you. Works with your iPhone and also has an “aware mode”; simply push a button and you can hear your surroundings.
Photive 2600mAh Portable Power Bank
This is a portable battery pack that I keep in my camera bags just in cast I need some extra charge for my iPhone. There’s tons of power bank options out there, but I found this to be a portable and inexpensive battery I can carry in all my bags for emergencies.
Hex Solo iPhone 5 Wallet
I really like to travel light. I also like to jump out into Central Park for a walk, jog, or bike ride and I don’t like carrying a bulky wallet exercising. This iPhone case is great because I can keep my ID, debit/credit card, and my metro card with me at all times. Throw a $20 bill in-between the phone and the case and you’ve got everything you need so you’re not screwed when you leave your wallet at home!
Zoom H4N
Since I’ve recently began podcasting, I had to figure out a quality recording platform. I found the H4N to be optimal for a number of reasons. In addition to the built-in microphones, there are two XLR jacks in the bottom of the unit that allows me to connect various professional microphones (or musical instruments if I wanted). For my podcasts, which typically involve myself and a guest at a cafe, bar, or Central park, I use two Shure Lavalier Microphones. What’s great is that if I wanted to add a third guest, I could simply put my H4N on a mini mic stand and use the on-board microphone as a third. I also use the H4N as an audio interface to my computer to record my podcast intros directly into the computer via a USB cable. Whether you’re podcasting, using it for your DSLR audio, or creating audio for multi-media, this is the unit for you.
Chris Gampat
Chris Gampat is the founder of The Phoblographer and he manages all of the daily tasks. He has worked for Photography Bay, PCMag, Geek.com, Magnum Photos, B&H Photo Video and MAC Group amongst others. He specializes in content development and Social Media marketing campaigns for the creative industry. Chris also freelances for many other publications such as Digital Camera Review, Gear Patrol, Imaging Resource, and Resource Magazine.
Olympus OMD EM1
Best camera of the year. The Olympus OMD EM1 is the company’s new flagship of flagship cameras–it replaces their aging E5, which was a DSLR. Interestingly enough though, this camera is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera. Rumors of the camera were abound for a while and we worked with a review unit for around three weeks. Complete with a 16.3MP LiveMOS sensor, TruePic VII imaging processor, WiFi, weather sealing, a brand new viewfinder, and lots of new controls, the camera is an aggressive stab at the flagship mirrorless camera world and the high end APS-C DSLR lines offered at the current moment.
Sigma 18-35mm f1.8
Best zoom lens. Sigma’s latest 18-35mm f1.8 lens is the first zoom lens to their Art Collection: which is comprised of lenses typically associated with a very fast aperture. But when Sigma announced their brand new 18-35mm f1.8 DC HSM lens for APS-C sensor DSLR cameras, we were shocked. Previously, we had only seen f2 zooms being the fastest, but now there is a f1.8 zoom. Though the lens paid us a short visit (we only had it for five days) we fell in love with it.
Zeiss 135mm f2
Best portrait lens. “You’re not going to want to send it back,” said PCMag.com’s Jim Fisher, a good friend and colleague of mine who remarked about the Zeiss 135mm f2 when I told him that I got it in for review. Though Jim and I are different types of shooters, I didn’t realize just how correct he would be when I first twisted the luxury optic onto my Canon 5D Mk II. Despite the fact that we’ve still tested pricier lenses on The Phoblographer, Zeiss’s 135mm f2 exudes an aura of absolute allure and lust. With an all metal exterior build, uber smooth manual focus ring, Zeiss micro contrast, bokeh worth biting your lip to, and the feel of a real professional lens–the only thing that you’ll need to sell for it is your soul, a kidney, maybe a finger, and perhaps a couple vials of blood.
Yongnuo 560 III
Best-bang-for-your-buck flash. Yongnuo is a Chinese company that has mistakenly been stated as to be creating knock offs–which is a massive misinterpretation. They mostly specialize in radio transmitters and flashes. We previously reviewed the Yongnuo 560 II, and upon hearing the reports of the company putting radio transmission integrated into their flashes, I had to try one of the brand new 560 III flashes. The version that I purchased was specifically for the Micro Four Thirds system: and in this case the Olympus OMD EM5.
Noah Gilbert
A native of Santa Barbara, California, Noah Gilbert has has lived in New York City for over a decade documenting it’s ominous beauty and diversity. Noah is a freelance photographer specializing in architectural, event, and fine art photography. Some of his noted clients include; the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Victoria’s Secret, Bath and Body Works and Kushner Studios. In 2010, his works were showcased at the Clio Awards and he was listed in the “Winners Book” of this premier annual awards show honoring creative advertising in print, radio and television. Noah studied under the late Susan Kleckner at the International Center of Photography. He was also privileged to have worked with Pulitzer prize winning photographer Vincent Laforet, and noted NY Times photographer Robert Caplin. Noah presently resides in Brooklyn and continues to create images that captivate, surprise, and move people emotionally.
Canon 100mm 2.8L Macro
I’ve been shooting more still life and product lately for clients and this Macro is sensational. Sharp doesn’t begin to describe this lens. I just need to be prepared for more dust and hair removal in post. (yes, hair – it’s that good…)
Canon 17mm TS
I’ve always loved Canon TS lenses, and their most recent 17mm doesn’t disappoint. It will lighten your wallet, but the flexibility and precision is fantastic edge to edge. This lens is a distortion killer.
Canon 5D MKIII
I had the original 5D and now the 5D MKII. After shooting some test frames and learning about the new MKIII. It’s worth the upgrade…they really do keep better with every iteration.
Think Tank Retrospective Bag
I need a nice, stylish bag that will let me run around with a body an a couple lenses without looking like I’m in Men In Black. This bag is causal, comes in colors, and is Think Tank quality and engineering. How can you go wrong?
Kelvin Ma
Kelvin Ma is a staff photographer for Tufts University in his hometown of Boston, where he also freelances for a variety of editorial and corporate clients. After nearly 10 years away from home, educating himself at Northwestern University and working a few years as a staff photographer at the Tampa Tribune, he’s glad to be back. His happy place is in the photo pit at Fenway Park, except when it rains.
GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition
One of my primary goals this year is to integrate a lot of the things I enjoy doing — particularly outdoor, adventure-sports-type activities — with my photography. Naturally, I’ve been indulging myself lately with a lot of the adventure-porn videos and photos being pushed by GoPro to promote their new Hero3+. They really know how to appeal to both sides of, because the Hero3+ is at the top of my list.
Superfeet insoles
A consequence of doing this job is being on your feet all day, every day. Unfortunately for me, I developed a minor case of plantar fasciitis not too long ago, which put a serious damper on my ability to work effectively and pain free. Let’s face it, it’s hard to focus when your foot is in near constant pain. I made a few changes to my footwear, but the most significant improvement to my healing came in the form of some Superfeet insoles for added support. They’re literally in all my shoes now, and if you spend a lot of time on your feet, you really can’t go wrong with these.
Film Roll Magnets
I’m getting to that stage in life when all my friends are either getting married or having kids. My mom enjoys reminding me of that fact, as well. So, to keep track of all the invitations, announcement postcards and Christmas cards, I put all of these someplace I can’t overlook — my refrigerator. Right next to the Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon. Why not add a little photo flair to my kitchen, right?
Think Tank TurnStyle
I wasn’t lucky enough to win the Photo Brigade lottery to review the new Think Tank Turnstyle line, but this style of bag has had me curious for awhile now. As someone who likes to roll pretty light, these look like they’d hold the perfect amount of gear for most of the work that I do. I’m getting tired of my shoulder bag, and waist packs tend to sag on me quite a bit. The sling seems like a happy medium… Maybe someone at Photo Brigade can hook me up with a hands-on demo so I can verify… *hint hint*
Mophie Powerstation Pro
We’ve all been there. When you’ve got an iPhone addiction (I’m busy making Instagram Art!), chances are you’ll be running on empty by midday or sooner. You can never have too much backup power.
Angus Mordant
Angus Mordant is in his final year of a Bachelor of Arts in Photography majoring in Documentary and Editorial Practice at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. Upon the completion of his degree, Angus intends to undertake the Documentary/ Photojournalism program at the International Center of Photography in New York. Angus’ work has appeared in many major publications across Australia and abroad.
Fuji X-Pro1
I have been playing around with a borrowed one of these quite a lot recently. When combined with a lens of 35mm equivalence such as the 23mm f/1.4 I am absolutely in love with it.
Canon ST-E3 Speedlight Transmitter
Having recently bought a Canon 600EX speedlight and after hearing rave reviews of the new transmitter I am thinking I may end up just buying this one for myself for Christmas this year!
A Spotify or Rdio Subscription
Spotify has changed the way I listen to music. Combine a reasonable monthly price for unlimited music with the unlimited 4G LTE data on my iPhone 5S and I doubt I will ever buy an individual song again. This is great for long lonesome days shooting or hours spent editing and invoicing behind the computer.
SanDisk 128GB USB Flash Drive
Many people, myself included, seem to forget just how much capacity is now available on small USB Flash Drives. I can’t wait to put an end to carting around a portable hard drive just for the sake of moving a single shoot worth of files.
Gaffers Tape
Just to prove that photographers are not always expensive to shop for. Trust me, every photographer would prefer a roll of gaff over a pair of socks!
Ed Mulholland
Ed Mulholland is a freelance sports photographer based in the Northern NJ/New York City area who specializes in shooting sports including UFC/MMA, Boxing, NHL hockey, and NFL Football. He was profiled in Popular Photography & Imaging and Boxing Digest for his expertise in fight photography, and shot the Arturo Gatti-Mickey Ward photo chosen for the cover of the EA Video Game release Fight Night Round 3. His work has been published in various publications/TV outlets such as FightNews.com, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, Vibe, TV Guide, ESPN.com, E! Entertainment Television, All In Poker, The British Boxing News, Ring Magazine, Boxing Digest, The Fist, Ring Ukraine, NY Daily News, NY Post, and the movie, Rocky Balboa as well as many others. He is also a contract photographer for HBO, and ESPN.com.
Think Tank Photo Shape Shifter Bag
The Shape Shifter is capable of carrying two pro bodies, a 70-200, 24-70, and a wide lens as well as a 15” laptop, cables, cards and a flash or two. Better yet once gear is removed, the bag zips down to a mere inches and you can work with it on your back if needed. I sometimes carry only this bag if long glass isn’t needed.
Canon 8-15mm f4.0 Fisheye
Sure it’s pricey and a bit gimmicky, but who knows, maybe you are lucky enough to have a wealthy family member or friend. I didn’t, and sprung for it myself, but it was worth it, I love this lens. I find myself using it more and more at sporting events, from that NFL coaches scrum (which I still don’t understand, but run into anyway) to getting NHL players crashing into the glass, or getting inside the ring for some really wonderful victory shots of fighters. It’s tack sharp, well built and a great edition to any photographers bag. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on images produced by this lens.
Adobe Creative Cloud – Photoshop Photography Program
With Adobe moving to a subscription based product now is a great time to sign up that photographer in your life. Adobe is currently running a special of $9.99 a month for Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge. The best part, if you sign them up before December 31st, you lock that price in as long as they continue their subscription. That’s right, the price won’t change.
Moo Business Cards
When I recently redid my business cards to add my Twitter and Instagram accounts I headed to Moo.com. Great quality cards and best of all, you can add different photos to your cards. Photographers can choose several images from their portfolio and divide them amongst the order of cards. After all, if you aren’t going to market yourself, who will…
C.S. Muncy
C.S. Muncy is a New York City-based freelance photojournalist with a client list that includes The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday, The New York Daily News and The Village Voice. His work has also appeared in Time Magazine, The Smithsonian Magazine and Wired Japan. In 2012, he was selected for the 25th Eddie Adams Workshop, received the NPPA Short Course Travel Grant and won first prize in the National Geographic/Nikon “Full Story” photo contest. A graduate of the Defense Information School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2002 and is currently a combat correspondent with the 106th Rescue Wing.
SanDisk Connect 64G Wireless Media Drive
Great for photographers who want to wirelessly share their images, the Sandisk Connect Wirelss Drive allows multiple users access to photos, videos or any other media from a self-generated WiFi hotspot. In addition, the SD slot gives you the opportunity to send images directly from your card to your tablet, smartphone or laptop. For news photographers, this can be especially helpful in getting your images out to your editors before anyone else does.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Lens
I reviewed this lens several months back and was blown away by the images it produced. Even wide open, the images are needle sharp, the bokeh is smooth as butter and its build quality is right up there with anything Nikon or Canon produces at a highly competitive price. Normally I don’t carry too many prime lenses in my kit, but this has become one of my go-to lenses for everyday shooting.
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